"We can not afford to lose Rumster."

12.00.00pm GMT Fri 30th Jan 2009

"The current plans of the Scottish Government would deprive the north of a significant environmental asset for no tangible gain to the public purse"

Local MP, John Thurso took time last weekend to view some of the facilities on offer at Rumster Forest. Of particular interest were the interpretive panels displaying a very full network of habitats which the forest hosts. The MP was struck by the very fine balance which the Forestry Commission had secured in opening the forest to so wide a range of interests.

The MP said:

"Rumster is a gem of a local asset. It offers something for everyone - for those who have a deep interest in flora and fauna, archaeology and ornithology, for those who as a family are keen simply to have a stroll through the woods or for 200 scouts needing an overnight camp. All are accommodated at Rumster. For the more active, the forest comprises a very extensive network of tracks for horse riding and mountain bike riding and the twice yearly visits to the forest by the A.S.E. theatre group are a delight to which so many young children now eagerly look forward. Rumster is outstanding in the facilities it offers and the Forestry Commission is to be congratulated on the thought that went into its development."

John Thurso continued:

"The current plans by the Scottish Government to privatise 25% of Scotland's forest, including Rumster, would deprive the North of a significant environmental asset for no tangible gain to the public purse. These plans would over time spell the end of the Forestry Commission as we know it since their major cash generating assets would be in the hands of private companies looking to maximise profits. I support Jamie Stone's campaign and sincerely hope the Scottish Government will change its plans and drop this proposal from the Climate Change (Scotland) Bill."

Related Links:

Save Our Forests petition.

Save our forests campaign elsewhere in the Highlands.